Airtel Sacks 100 Employees in Kenya

Airtel Kenya has announced plans to lay off some employees as the business continues to struggle to turn a profit.

The firm did not disclose how many employees would be affected by the move only saying it cut across all departments, but local media reported it could affect up to a third of its employees, with some putting the figure at 100.

According to reports, this is the second mass layoff by Airtel Kenya in under a year after the firm sent home 60 employees in January 2016.

“Airtel Kenya is undertaking strategic organisational restructuring to improve efficiency across functions with an aim to enhance customer experience. This initiative will impact some roles that will be merged or become redundant,” Airtel said in a statement.

The company said that the retrenchment was necessary since the telecom firm had to realign its structure with its operating model.

The restructuring is expected to help the company turn a profit, even as it cites a tough operating environment.

In redundancy letters published in some local media, affected employees will be entitled to ex gratia payment equivalent to one month’s pay, one month’s pay in lieu of notice salary and allowances up to February 13, as well as payment for unutilised accrued leave days.

Despite the existing challenges, Airtel said it would continue investing in the market.

“Airtel remains committed to the Kenyan market and will continue to invest in order to drive innovation, enhance network quality and customer service delivery,” It said in the statement.